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The 2024-25 South Carolina women’s basketball season ended in a heartbreaking 82-59 loss to UConn in the national championship game. The defeat, while deflating, marks the conclusion of a season filled with impressive performances and milestones, and now, the focus shifts to the future of the program. With a solid group of players returning for next season, the Gamecocks will look to bounce back and build on their successes.
Among the 13 players on this year’s roster, 10 will be returning, ensuring that South Carolina will not undergo a massive overhaul. The loss of three key seniors—guard Te-Hina Paopao, guard Bree Hall, and forward Sania Feagin—does leave some significant holes to fill. However, the strength of the team moving forward lies in the continuity of its roster and the ability of returning players to step up.
Te-Hina Paopao, who has been a standout player for South Carolina since transferring from Oregon, is perhaps the most significant loss. Paopao used her “COVID year” to extend her eligibility and played a second season with the Gamecocks in 2024-25 after spending three seasons at Oregon. During her time at USC, Paopao established herself as a lethal perimeter shooter, leading the Gamecocks in 3-pointers in back-to-back seasons. She was also named a second-team All-SEC selection, a testament to her consistent play. Paopao’s leadership and shooting ability will be missed, but her decision to enter the 2025 WNBA Draft marks the next step in her basketball journey. She leaves behind a legacy of clutch shooting and defensive tenacity that will be hard to replace.
Bree Hall and Sania Feagin, two other seniors who played pivotal roles on this team, are also departing. Hall, who has been a mainstay in the starting lineup for the past three seasons, has been known for her toughness, leadership, and defensive prowess. Her ability to contribute offensively as well, especially in clutch moments, made her a key figure in South Carolina’s lineup. Hall’s leadership will be particularly difficult to replace, as she has been a stabilizing force for the team over the years.
Feagin, who made the leap from role player to starter during her senior season, also leaves behind a notable legacy. As a first-year starter, Feagin earned a spot on the SEC All-Defensive Team, reflecting her exceptional ability to disrupt opposing offenses and create turnovers. Her versatility as both a defender and a rebounder made her one of the most important players on the team. While Feagin’s departure is a tough one for the Gamecocks, her development as a player during her time at South Carolina will serve as a valuable blueprint for future players who aim to make an impact on both ends of the floor.
Despite the departures of Paopao, Hall, and Feagin, South Carolina’s future remains bright. The team returns a talented core that includes some of the best players in the country. With standout performers like Aliyah Boston, who has established herself as one of the top players in women’s college basketball, South Carolina’s chances of continuing their dominance in the SEC and on the national stage remain strong. Boston’s leadership, scoring ability, and rebounding will be critical as the Gamecocks look to make another deep run in the tournament.
In addition to Boston, the Gamecocks have a wealth of young talent that will only continue to develop. Players like Zia Cooke, who has shown flashes of brilliance throughout her career, will likely take on a larger leadership role next season. Cooke’s scoring ability and clutch performances in important moments will be crucial for South Carolina as they look to fill the gaps left by their departing seniors. South Carolina’s depth, with players who have already proven themselves in big games, will also play a vital role in ensuring the team remains competitive.
While the 2024-25 season ended in disappointment, the Gamecocks’ future is filled with promise. The loss to UConn in the national championship game serves as motivation to return to the pinnacle of women’s college basketball. With a strong returning roster, a mix of experienced veterans and emerging stars, and a winning culture established under head coach Dawn Staley, South Carolina is poised to remain a powerhouse in women’s basketball for years to come. As the team looks ahead to next season, the Gamecocks will undoubtedly be driven to come back even stronger, with one goal in mind: redemption and the pursuit of another national title.
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